Topic 1: Increasing Energy

There is a common problem among people all around the world – they are all looking for a way to increase energy. And each different geographic area has different natural ingredients that are used to increase energy.

• Ginseng is number one on almost every list is ginseng and is used around the world. It increases stamina and enables the body to produce its own energy better and more efficiently. American ginseng is more typically used in this country (250 mg). There is also Siberian ginseng (40 mg), which is a little longer-acting and has a positive effect on adrenal glands. It has been used by athletes to increase performance. They both work without causing the jitteriness, increased or irregular heart rate and other side effects often caused by stimulants. Both can be extracted and put in capsule form.

• Cordyceps is an extract from mushroom or cultured soybeans. Energy, stamina and endurance are the three benefits associated with this ingredient. Chinese athletes have used cordyceps for years in their training. It works by increasing levels of ATP, the chemical that supplies our body with energy.

• Taurine is found in almost every energy drink around the world. It works on organs that have a high level of electrical activity such as the heart, brain, and retina. It also increases musculoskeletal activity which increases the oxygen levels to the heart.

• Rhodiola is a root extract grown in higher elevations and latitudes that is known for its fast-acting energy boosting effects. In one study it was found to increase the ability to concentrate and the memory of doctors working night shifts in the hospital.

• Guarana is a seed from South America with a chemical structure similar to caffeine, but without the jittery effect of caffeine. It is widely used but it takes effect fairly slowly, over the course of a few hours.

• Mate, also from South America, is often used in tea form. In Germany, it has been approved for the treatment of fatigue.

For people with periodic, recurring or chronic fatigue, or even conditions such as fibromyalgia, these natural substances can increase stamina, energy and without the side effects of stimulants.

The key is to use small amounts of these ingredients in standardized, capsule form, such as in my Energy Support formula. The combination of fast-acting and longer-acting ingredients in lower doses work in different ways can improve energy levels.

(While there has been recent research on the potential benefits of coffee, one of my problems with it is that is has a high pesticide and herbicide use during preparation, so there are trace elements of those in the coffee. A cup or two a day should not be a problem for most people.)

Topic 2: Sleep Problems (Minute 33)

While lack of energy is often a problem during the day, lack of healthy sleep at night is often a problem at night. It is one of the most common problems. In fact: 38% of people reported difficulty in falling asleep, 51% have insomnia several times a week, 29% have insomnia nightly, 32% wake up several times a night, and 25% can’t get back to sleep once awake.

Insomnia is often a symptom of other things, such as stress, depression, or medical conditions such as pain, apnea, restless legs, hormonal imbalances. There are a couple of lifestyle steps you can take to help you get better sleep:

1. Go to bed the same time every night and get up the same time in the morning to set your sleep cycle.
2. Don’t drink caffeine after noon.
3. Don’t exercise vigorously within 4 hours of bedtime

There are also natural products that can enhance your quality of sleep, which I have combined in my Sleep Support formulation.

• Valerian has been used for centuries as a sleep aid and has been studies extensively. Results show a significant improvement in the ability to fall asleep and nighttime muscle cramping, Prolonged, regular use of valerian produces the best effects, so it is not meant to be a one-time, fast acting sleep inducer. It has been approved for use in sleep disorders throughout Europe.

• Melatonin is a hormone secreted naturally by the body during sleep, but production declines with age. It is particularly useful in jet lag and sleep disturbances, and is very effective in helping people sleep better. Based on research from MIT, it is now believed that a lower dose (100 mcg) is a better dosage than the higher dosages previously used. Light inhibits melatonin production, so be sure to cut back on exposure to both natural and artificial light as it get close to bedtime. Foods can also make a difference in melatonin levels. Complex carbohydrates and the amino acid tryptophan increase serotonin, which stimulates melatonin production. Some protein sources, can block that effect, so I often recommend that people eat their proteins earlier in the day and complex carbs later in the day.

• Passionflower got its name because it looks like a cross, and is symbolic of Jesus’ crucifixion. It has been approved by Germany’s Commission E (which studies natural substances) for helping people to sleep better.

• Chamomile has been used for centuries for insomnia, as well as a stomach aid, for relaxation, anxiety and also for insomnia.

• Hops has a mild sedating substance that has a marked relaxing effect on the central nervous system which helps with restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

• Theanine, from green tea, has a strong relaxation agent